What Happens If You Do Not Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop, typically appearing between ages 17 and 25. While some people never experience issues with them, many others face complications when these teeth don’t erupt properly or don’t have enough room to grow. Understanding what can happen if you choose not to remove your wisdom teeth is essential for maintaining long-term oral health.
 

Impaction and Pain

When wisdom teeth don’t have sufficient space to emerge, they often become impacted - meaning they are trapped beneath the gums or jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause persistent pain, pressure, swelling, and difficulty chewing. Over time, the discomfort typically worsens rather than improves.
 

Infections and Gum Disease

Partially erupted wisdom teeth create small openings where bacteria can easily accumulate. This can lead to gum inflammation or pericoronitis, a painful infection that may cause swelling, drainage, and difficulty opening your mouth. Leaving wisdom teeth untreated increases the risk of repeated infections that can spread to surrounding tissues.
 

Tooth Crowding and Bite Problems

Wisdom teeth often press against neighboring molars as they attempt to erupt. This pressure can lead to shifting teeth, crowding, or misalignment - even if you previously completed orthodontic treatment. When teeth move out of alignment, it can affect your bite, oral hygiene, and overall comfort.
 

Damage to Adjacent Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause cavities, erosion, or root damage in the molars next to them. Because wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, bacteria easily spread to surrounding teeth, increasing the likelihood of decay and periodontal problems.
 

Cysts and Jawbone Issues

A less common but serious complication occurs when a fluid-filled sac (cyst) forms around an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts can damage the jawbone, nerves, and surrounding structures. If untreated, they may require more complex surgical intervention than a typical extraction.
 

Trouble with Oral Hygiene

Even if your wisdom teeth come in fully, their position at the back of the mouth makes them difficult to brush and floss. This increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup.
 

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Early detection and proactive care greatly reduce the risk of complications. At Dent Aid Dentistry, we assess each patient’s wisdom teeth individually, determining whether extraction is the safest and most beneficial option. If intervention is needed, we provide comfortable, precise wisdom teeth extraction in San Diego to help you protect your long-term oral health.

Protect Your Oral Health Before Complications Arise

Ignoring problematic wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infections, dental shifting, and serious structural damage over time. Even if you aren’t currently experiencing symptoms, a professional evaluation is essential to avoid future complications. Our team is here to help you make the best decision for your smile with expert guidance and personalized care.

Schedule a wisdom teeth evaluation at Dent Aid Dentistry to learn in extraction is right for you. Visit our office in San Diego, California, or call (858) 215-1041 to book an appointment today.